Issue - meetings

To consider revision to the Council’s current Industrial Unit Lettings Management Policy (report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Assistant Director - General Fund Assets).

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director – General Funds Assets to considered revision to the Council’s current Industrial Unit Lettings Management Policy

The Portfolio Holder for Assets and Strategic Planning introduced the report and highlighted the following points:

• The policy provided strategic direction to officers, tenants and prospective tenants with regard to industrial units and lettings management.
• The policy had been revised by officers and the revised version had been considered by Policy Development Panel in September.

Members considered the report and raised the following points:

• Members queried the length of leases granted and what length of non-payment of rent would be tolerated before action was taken.
  • The Portfolio Holder for Assets and Strategic Planning responded that leases were granted for up to six years but tenancy at wills were also used to provide flexible lease timeframes.
  • He advised that he would take the question regarding action for non-payment of rent back to Officers and circulate an answer outside of the meeting.

DECISION:

1)    That the draft Industrial Unit Letting and Management Policy 2025-2030 be adopted.

2)    That the Deputy Chief Executive and the Assistant Director – General Funds Assets, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder be given delegated authority to make minor and inconsequential amendments to the policy.

(Other options considered

• Do nothing. Continue to use the existing policy - This option is not recommended.

Reasons for decision

• To strengthen the existing policy position of the Council together with adding further clarity for tenants and prospective tenants.)

To consider the revised draft Industrial Units Lettings Management Policy to comply with legislative changes (report of the Deputy Chief Executive – General Fund Assets enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Deputy Chief Executive – General Fund Assets which considered the revised draft Industrial Units Lettings Management Policy to comply with legislative changes.

The Strategic Operational & Property Manager presented the report and highlighted that:

• The original policy dated back to 2005 and had previously been reviewed in 2020. A further review was undertaken following changes to the Use Class Order, which impacted how industrial units were categorised and managed.
• The updated policy aimed to:
  • Provide greater transparency for tenants.
  • Ensure legal compliance.
  • Clarify the Council’s approach to letting, managing, and maintaining its industrial property portfolio.
  • The officer confirmed that the revised policy would support consistent decision-making and improve the experience for tenants by setting out clear expectations and procedures.

Members considered the report and made the following comments:

• Members welcomed the updated policy and acknowledged the importance of ensuring the Council’s industrial estate was managed in a clear and legally sound manner.
• Members commented that the document contained quite a few changes but was straightforward and easy to follow.
• There was general agreement that the rewrite was necessary given the age of the original policy and the evolving legislative landscape.
• Members appreciated the effort to make the policy more transparent and tenant-friendly, particularly in terms of outlining responsibilities and expectations.
• No concerns were raised, and the Panel expressed support for the policy’s adoption.

AGREED:

a)    That the revised Industrial Units Letting and Management Policy 2025–2030 be recommended to Cabinet for approval.

b)    That the recommendation to Cabinet to delegate minor operational and legislative amendments to the Assistant Director – General Fund Assets be supported.